Natural value assessments of terrestrial ecosystems and species in the Coral Sea Marine Park were conducted at Cato Reef (Cato Island, West Islet, Hope Cay, Porpoise Cay, Bird Islet); Wreck Reefs (South West, Observatory, and unnamed Cays); Frederick Reefs (Observatory and Lighthouse Cays); Marion Reefs (Brodie, Paget, and Carola Cays); East Diamond Islet; Herald Cays (North East and South West Cays); and Dianne Bank in May/June 2022.

Experts from Parks Australia Division (PAD) and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWSP) performed the following tasks:

• map and assess vegetation communities at Cato Island, Porpoise Cay, Bird Islet, Mid Islet and North Cay
• collect soil and herbaria specimens
• obtain high resolution drone imagery of islands, islets and cays and their adjoining reefs
• collect bird breeding effort, population, and diversity data
• collect pelagic seabird data
• survey for invasive species
• assess the integrity and health of each site by completing a standardised ‘Health Check’ and ‘Island Watch’ proforma
• remove debris
• install signage.

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This report has been published in 3 sections for ease of download.

• Section 1 (6.53MB)
• Section 2 (45MB)
• Section 3 (43MB)